Hi, SMP friends, Shelby here! I'm here today with some photos of a beautiful travel-themed bridal shower one of my Maid of Honors, Sara, hosted for me a few weeks ago. With the help of Lily and Oak and a few other talented Raleigh vendors, Sara hosted an adventurous soiree with some of my closest family and friends before I embark on the “journey of a lifetime”.

I was blown away by each little thoughtful and creative detail for this shower starting with the watercolored map invitations from One and Only Paper. When I first opened up the invitation envelope, I was in awe of the large watercolor map of the world that read “Love is the Greatest Adventure”. I knew then that this shower was going to be one for the books.

The space in the Mims House in Holly Springs, NC was the cutest blank slate to decorate with globes, vintage suitcases, books, old cameras, and other vintage furniture from Greenhouse Picker Sisters. Wild, organic, florals completed the look and brought a more earthy feel to the intimate white and gray space. One of my favorite parts of the party, as usual, was the global-inspired food setup featuring recipes from all over the world including a Mediterranean bar, Mexican appetizers, Southern cuisine, and Asian bites. There is never any shortage of creativity when it comes to Belle’s Catering and I had a hard time deciding between the Mini Taco Bowls, the Mini Pimento BLT Biscuits, the Ahi Tuna Bites, Shrimp Toast, Greek Flatbread, Mediterranean Cous Cous Cups, Mini Cuban Sliders, and the Chipotle Chicken Meatballs so I just filled my plate up with it all!

The shower was in the late morning/early afternoon so there was a coffee and mimosa bar setup when guests arrive and the “food room” was topped off with calligraphy chalkboard signs created by one of my sweet bridesmaids, Meredith, who owns Oaks and Gray Paper. Always thankful for a bridesmaid that also doubles as a wedding vendor!

As we ate the almost-too-pretty-to-eat vintage map cake, we caught up with friends and family, played some funny bridal shower games, opened up gifts, and sipped on mimosas!

These little celebrations along the way leading up to our wedding day have been so special. There is nothing like having a large group of your favorite people all together in one room so I can only imagine how the wedding will feel. If you’re a bride-to-be, my advice to you would be to slow down and soak in each moment you get to celebrate with your family and friends along the way. It is such a special and unique time in life and it passes by so fast.

Thanks for following along and I can't wait to reveal our wedding photos soon!